U.S. patent application number 11/791558 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-08 for headset acoustic device and sound channel reproducing method.
Invention is credited to Xiping Chen.
Application Number | 20080107300 11/791558 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34765707 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080107300 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chen; Xiping |
May 8, 2008 |
Headset Acoustic Device and Sound Channel Reproducing Method
Abstract
A head acoustic device and a sound channel reproducing method
discloses a multichannel acoustic device, especially a
headset-multichannel acoustic device applying bone conduction
speaker and a sound channel reproducing method. The
headset-multichannel acoustic device of this invention includes a
supporting frame and a vibration device on the frame, in which, the
vibration device is a bone conduction speaker. The advantage of the
present invention is that the sense of personally on the scene can
be got by using the multichannel surround acoustic technology or by
using the bone conduction speakers on different positions of bone
and multichannel acoustic technology. On the other hand, it enables
people with hearing handicap recover the ability of hearing
music.
Inventors: |
Chen; Xiping; (Sichuan,
CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Chan, Raymond Y.
108 N. Ynez Avenue, Suite 128
Monterey Park
CA
91754
US
|
Family ID: |
34765707 |
Appl. No.: |
11/791558 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
November 29, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CN05/02052 |
371 Date: |
May 23, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
381/380 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04R 1/1075 20130101;
H04R 2205/024 20130101; H04R 2205/022 20130101; H04R 5/033
20130101; H04R 2460/13 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
381/380 |
International
Class: |
H04R 25/00 20060101
H04R025/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 30, 2004 |
CN |
200410081365.8 |
Claims
1. A headset acoustic device, comprising a supporting frame and a
vibration apparatus placed on said supporting frame, wherein said
vibration apparatus comprises one or more bone conduction
speakers.
2. The headset acoustic device, as recited in claim 1, wherein the
shape of said supporting frame is shaped for matching the shape of
head of a user, such that the bone conduction speaker mounted on
said supporting frame is adapted for substantially contacting with
the head of the user.
3. The headset acoustic device, as recited in claim 2, wherein at
least two said bone conduction speakers are spacedly mounted at
said supporting for locating on the left and right sides of the
head of the user.
4. The headset acoustic device, as recited in claim 2, wherein said
bone conduction speakers are symmetrically located on the left and
right sides of the head close to the ears, and on the rear of the
head.
5. The headset acoustic device, as recited in claim 2, wherein the
bone conduction speakers are located on the left and right sides of
the head, and the top and rear of the head.
6. The headset acoustic device, as recited in any of the preceding
claims, wherein at least a pair of air conduction speakers is
mounted on said supporting frame for locating on the left and right
sides of the head close to the ears.
7. The headset acoustic device, as in claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5,
wherein the supporting frame and the bone conduction speaker are
connected via an interference-free connector.
8. A sound channel reproducing method, comprising the step of
locating a plurality of bone conduction speakers on the surface of
the head of a user, according to the direction of the origin of the
sound.
9. The method, as recited in claim 8, wherein the bone conduction
speakers are placed by one of the following configuration: on the
fore head, symmetrically on both sides of the front ears,
symmetrically on both sides of the rear head, on the lower cheek,
on the rear of the head, and on the center of the top of the head
or symmetrically on both sides of the top of the head.
10. The method, as recited in claim 9, wherein at the least one
said pair of air conduction speakers is located on the left and
right sides of the head.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention represents a multi-channel acoustic
device, and more particularly to a multi-channel acoustic headset
with bone conduction speakers and a sound channel reproducing
method.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Arts
[0004] Today, multichannel acoustic technology utilized in the
stereo system can vividly reproduce the sound in nature and when
applying this technology to an ordinary home theater system, the
same acoustic effect can be achieved. Moreover, the same acoustic
effect can also be achieved by properly arranging amplifiers in 5.1
channel system, including three channels for speakers at front
(left, center and right), two channels for surround speakers at
rear (left and right), and one low-frequency channel (subwoofer).
Although listeners are more satisfactory with the 5.1 channel
system, it can be used only in some specific circumstances because
it interferes with people surrounding the listener.
[0005] With regard to headsets, some headset manufactures adopted
virtual 5.1 channel technology by placing several independent
sound-generating units in different parts of the headset to
simulate the surrounding acoustic effect of 5.1 channel system. The
advantages of these products are easy to manufacture and convenient
to carry. However, this virtual 5.1 channel technology can be
carried out only by combination of the sound-generating units with
different frequencies and placing these units in different
locations in the headset. Due to the size of the headset and
limited means of wearing, the headset with virtual 5.1 channel can
hardly reach the same acoustic effect as the home theater. Also, if
the user wears the headset for a long time, he or she may feel
uncomfortable because of dizzy or hurt of the ears.
[0006] In addition, the bone conduction speaker has several
applications, such as hearing aids, earphones and cell phones.
Through bone conduction, it can transform the sound to a kind of
vibration to the ear bones, and thus achieve the goal to obtain
sounds. Due to the limitation of structure, volume and consuming
power, the application of the bone conduction speaker is limited to
obtaining ordinary sound.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0007] A main object of present invention is to provide a headset
acoustic device to overcome the deficiencies in existing earphones
and achieve good sound effect of surround or stereo acoustic
system. Moreover, for those whose ear drum was impaired but with
intact ear bone, this device can help them regain the ability to
enjoy music. In other words, the headset acoustic device is
considered as a hearing aid to help hard-of-hearing people hear
music better.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
headset acoustic device with a sound channel reproducing method for
achieving good acoustic effect of surround or stereo through bone
conduction.
[0009] To solve existing technical problems stated above, the
invention provides a headset acoustic device, comprising a
supporting frame and a vibration device mounted on the frame, in
which the vibration device comprises a bone conduction speaker.
[0010] The shape of the supporting frame matches the shape of human
head, which enables the bone conduction speaker located on the
supporting frame to have good contact of the head. There are at
least two bone conduction speakers mounted on the supporting frame,
locating on the left and right sides of the head of the user. The
bone conduction speakers can also be placed on the left, right and
rear sides of the head, whereas some bone conduction speakers can
be place on the left, right, rear and top of the head. A pair of
ordinary speakers is further located on the left and right sides of
the head of the user. Preferably, the supporting frame has at least
two bone conduction speakers, locating on the left and right sides
of the head. The bone conduction speakers can also be placed on the
left and right side of the head close to the ears, and the rear of
the head. The bone conduction speakers on the supporting frame can
also be located on the fore, left, right, top and rear of the head.
At least a pair of ordinary speakers is placed close to the ears.
The connection between the supporting frame and bone conduction
speakers is soft and spongy connection.
[0011] The purpose of matching the shape of the supporting frame
with human head is to enable the bone conduction speakers on the
supporting frame to have good contact with the head. No specific
requirement is needed regarding the appearance of the supporting
frame to accomplish the goal of this invention. The present
invention requires proper spatial arrangement of the bone
conduction speakers under working condition to match the shape of
human head. Obviously, "the shape of the supporting frame" should
not be mechanically apprehended to its appearance.
[0012] The present invention further provides a sound channel
reproducing method which distributes the bone conduction speakers
on the surface of the head according to the direction of the origin
of the sound.
[0013] The bone conduction speakers are placed according to one or
more arrangements as following: on the fore head, symmetrically on
the front of the ears close to temple, symmetrically on the left,
right and rear of the head, on the lower jaw close to cheek, on the
rear of the head, on the center of the top of the head or
symmetrically on the left and right of the top of the head. A pair
of ordinary speakers is place on the left and right sides of the
head.
[0014] The best acoustic effect results from symmetric placement on
the left and right sides of the head among the placements stated
above.
[0015] The present invention fully takes advantage of the
distinguishing feature of bone conduction speakers, which is
transmitting sound through the medium of bone. People can tell the
sound's direction and location by the ears when the sound is
transmitted by air. Thus, utilizing multichannel surround acoustic
technology enables people to have the same feeling as if they were
in the realistic situation where the sound comes from. Similarly,
using the same technology along with the bone conduction speakers
placed on different locations of the head can also enable people to
have the same feeling as stated above. Thus, this technology
enables the portable acoustic device to achieve similar sound
effect as in movie theaters. On the other hand, it enables people
with hearing handicap regain the ability to enjoy music. Further
description of the present invention is illustrated with the
drawings and preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1A is a schematic view of a headset acoustic device
according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention,
illustrating the position of the headset acoustic device with
respect to the head of the user.
[0017] FIG. 1B is a schematic view of the headset acoustic device
according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 2A is a schematic view of a headset acoustic device
according to a second preferred embodiment of the present
invention, illustrating the position of the headset acoustic device
with respect to the head of the user.
[0019] FIG. 2B is a schematic view of the headset acoustic device
according to the above second preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 3A is a schematic view of a headset acoustic device
according to a second preferred embodiment of the present
invention, illustrating the position of the headset acoustic device
with respect to the head of the user.
[0021] FIG. 3B is a schematic view of the headset acoustic device
according to the above third preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0022] In the embodiments, the sound is originated from widely used
5.1 channel surround stereo acoustic system, and other multichannel
stereo acoustic systems can be adopted by similar means in the
embodiments in the present invention. The "ordinary speaker" in the
present invention means the sound of the speaker is transmitted
through air.
Embodiment 1
[0023] Users can wear the headset acoustic device of the present
invention as illustrated in FIG. 1A. The speakers "locating on the
left and right sides of the head" means that after the acoustic
device is worn by the user, the bone conduction speakers on the
device are located on the left and right sides of the head of the
user.
[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the device hangs on the ears with
five bone conduction speakers which are connected by supporting
frame 5 made by hollow tubes in this embodiment. Supporting frame 5
has certain extent of flexibility which enables each speaker to be
appropriately placed on the head. In other words, the supporting
frame 5 can be adjustably bent to fit the shape of the head of the
user such that the supporting frame 5 can be worn by means of
resilient force to ensure the bone conduction speakers contacting
with the head of the user. Users can choose their own sizes among
several different sizes of the device. Each bone conduction speaker
is placed on supporting frame 5 through an interference-free
connector 12 which is made by soft materials and utilized to
prevent interference resulting from the vibration from other bone
conduction speakers. S terminal connector 6 is used to connect to
the output terminal of 5.1 channel surround stereo acoustic system.
One end of the cable of each channel in connecting cable 7 is
connected to the corresponding site at the S terminal connector 6,
whereas the other end is connected to the corresponding bone
conduction speaker through the hollow tube of supporting frame 5.
Connecting cable 7 also incorporates with a volume adjustment
device 8 which can adjust the volume of the bone conduction
speakers respectively. Connecting cable 7 can select any bone
conduction speaker to be its cable inlet.
[0025] In this embodiment, the function of each bone conduction
speaker is: two bone conduction speakers 1 are connected to the
left and right front channels for locating at two temples of the
user respectively; two bone conduction speakers 2 are connected to
the central channel for locating at two ears of the user
respectively; two bone conduction speakers 3 are connected to the
left and right surround channels for locating at two rear-sides of
the user respectively; and one bone conduction speaker 4 is
connected to the low-frequency channel for locating at the back of
the head of the user.
Embodiment 2
[0026] Users can wear the headset with multichannel surround stereo
acoustic device as illustrated in FIG. 2A.
[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the headset device in this
embodiment comprises four bone conduction speakers and four air
conduction speakers, wherein two earphones incorporated with two
ear covers are preferred to be used for locating at the ears of the
user respectively. Users' ears are under less stress by using the
hollow ear covers wherein four bone conduction speakers are placed
on proper locations of the head. Four air conduction speakers are
placed at the outer portion of ear covers respectively. The headset
according to the second embodiment comprises a supporting frame 5
which connects two earphones on the left and right sides. The
supporting frame 5 has certain flexibility which enables each bone
conduction speaker to place on the appropriate position on the
head. S terminal connector 6 is used to connect to the output
terminal of 5.1 channel surround stereo acoustic system. Connecting
cable 7 can select one earphone to be its cable inlet, and the
cable of the other earphone goes inside through supporting frame 5.
The cable of each channel in connecting cable 7 has one end
connected to the corresponding site at the S connector, and the
other end is connected to the speaker of each channel. Connecting
cable 7 also incorporates with a volume adjustment device 8 which
can adjust the volume of the speakers respectively.
[0028] In this embodiment, the function of each speaker is: two
bone conduction speakers 1 are connected to the left and right
front channels and are located at two inner-front portions of the
earphones respectively; two bone conduction speakers 3 are
connected to the left and right surround channels and are located
at two inner-rear portions of the earphones respectively; two air
conduction speakers 9 are connected to the central channel and are
located at two outer-front portions of the earphones respectively;
and two air conduction speakers 10 are connected to the
low-frequency channel and are located at two outer-rear portions of
the earphones.
Embodiment 3
[0029] Users can wear the headset with multichannel surround stereo
acoustic device as illustrated in FIG. 3A.
[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the headset device in this
embodiment comprises four bone conduction speaker and four air
conduction speakers, wherein two earphones incorporated with two
ear covers are preferred to be used for locating at the ears of the
user respectively. Users' ears are under less stress by using the
hollow ear covers wherein two bone conduction speakers are placed
on proper locations of the head. The other two bone conduction
speakers are fixed on supporting frame 5 through soft connector 12.
Four air conduction speakers are placed on the rear end of the ear
covers. The headset in this embodiment comprises a supporting frame
5 which connects two earphones on the left and right sides while
another supporting frame 5 which connects the two bone conduction
speakers 3 to the earphones. The supporting frame has certain
flexibility which enables each bone conduction speaker to be placed
on appropriate position on the head. S connector 6 is used to
connect to the output terminal of 5.1 channel surround stereo
acoustic system. Connecting cable 7 can select one earphone to be
its cable inlet, and the inlet cable of the other earphone goes
inside through supporting frame 5. The cable of each channel in
connecting cable 7 has one end connected to the corresponding site
at the S terminal connector 6, and the other end is connected to
the speaker of each channel. Connecting cable 7 also incorporates
with a volume adjustment device 8 which can adjust the volume of
the speakers respectively.
[0031] In this embodiment, the function of each speaker is: two
bone conduction speakers 1 are connected to the left and right
front channels and are located at two inner-front sides of the
earphone respectively; two bone conduction speakers 3 are connected
to the left and right surround channels for locating at two rear
sides of the user respectively; two air conduction speakers 9 are
connected to the central channel and are located at two outer-front
sides of the earphone respectively; and two air conduction speakers
10 are connected to the low-frequency channel and are located at
two outer-rear sides of the earphone respectively.
* * * * *